'Improving every day as the season goes on'
—Photo by ERIC PLUMMER Pictured front row, from left to right: Jordan Dick, Alex Wade, Charlie Abbott, Kobe Banks, Paul Bopp and Harold Pigman. Back row: Assistant coach Joe Hazinsky, Theo Icardo, T.J. Henderson, Bryant Moore, Hunter Boudousquie, Spencer Jeffres, Conorey Vogel, Dakota West and head coach Jim Banks.
—Photo by ERIC PLUMMER Sophomore Theo Icardo will be one of the key players off the bench for the Wampus Cats.
Hunter Boudousquie
New Wampus Cats head coach Banks takes over hoop program
By ERIC PLUMMER
Sports editor
CLARK FORK — Boasting size and skill in the front court, speed and athleticism in the back court, and a new head coach, the Clark Fork boys basketball team takes the court this season with high hopes to make some noise in the North Star League.
New head coach Jim Banks takes over the program in his first head coaching job, replacing George Thornton. To help the team improve on last year’s three-win season, Banks will lean on the experience of senior bigs Spencer Jeffres and Hunter Boudousquie.
“We’re big on the inside, and should be able to impose our will and get some easy buckets around the basket,” admitted Banks, who expects his team to play hard every night. “Everyone hustling, improving every day as the season goes on. Staying away from turnovers and being patient are the keys to winning games.”
Jeffres, who at 6-3, 250 pounds can hurt teams inside, is also a great shooter. In the Wampus Cats’ flex-zone offense, with a lot of pick and rolls, Jeffres can do some damage on pick and pops with a strong mid-range game.
Last year he had several double-doubles and 20 point nights, including a 21 point, 20 rebound effort against Lakeside, and Banks will lean on the senior for leadership
“He’s kind of the captain and voice of the team,” described Banks of his power forward. “Spencer will be doing work in the post. Big, nice head fake with good post moves.”
Boudousquie, a 6-3 post and rim protector, also had a big season last year, including an equally impressive double-double of 23 points and 22 rebounds against Mullan.
He’s quick off the floor with a long reach, leading the North Star League in blocks last year, and is a strong finisher around the rim.
“Hunter is really athletic,” praised Banks, who expects a lot of Boudousquie this year. “Work the pick and roll, work hard at being a good rebounder and owning the paint.”
Junior Wade Stevens returns for the third year to run the point guard, featuring some strong perimeter defense and the ability to get to the rim offensively.
Banks says his floor general is a quick learner, fast and athletic, and his motor is 110 percent every time he steps on the court, which will play well in the Cats’ 2-3 pressure zone defense.
Senior Conorey Vogel, Kobe Banks and sophomore Dakota West will share time in the back court, with Banks providing a shooting threat from beyond the arc. West is the type of player every coach loves, with the ability to play a host of positions.
“Dakota is athletic and versatile, a swiss-army knife,” described Banks. “He can guard the post and give us some guard play, too.”
Junior Bryant Moore is an athletic and slashing wing who is strong on the glass, and Theo Icardo and T.J. Henderson will also see a lot of minutes off the bench.
The Cats have the pieces to bounce back and contend for a state berth, but it will take everybody playing together and finishing close games in league play.
“All of us doing what we need to do, not being selfish,” said Boudousquie. “This year we have good chemistry, and more rhythm. We need to work on our patience.”
The Wampus Cats tip off the season at home in a North Star League clash against North Idaho Christian on Monday, Nov. 28 at 7:30 p.m.